LOS ANGELES (Dec. 1, 2010) - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA), Directors Guild of America (DGA), International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United States, Its Territories and Canada (IATSE) and Screen Actors Guild (SAG) today released the following statement:

A limited number of complimentary tickets have been set aside for Screen Actors Guild members to attend the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Science and Technology Council’s last program of the year, “Where Do We Go From Here?” this Thursday, December 2. Hosted by writer-director-producer Jerry Zucker, the event will explore what could be in the future for motion pictures.

The SAG Hollywood Conservatory is having an open house and you are invited! The Conservatory offers SAG members an opportunity to hone their skills and develop their craft through workshops, lectures and symposia in a supportive and nurturing environment. Membership also allows you the option of submitting two headshots and resumes for our casting books which AFI graduate students use to audition and cast actors for their short film projects.

With the seating of the 2010-11 SAG National Board of Directors and the change of philosophic direction embraced by the electorate, the way should now be clear to begin a careful, thoughtful, inclusive and open discussion between SAG and AFTRA on the issue of creating a new union for the talent working in the entertainment and media industry.

The holidays are around the corner, and the current economy will make it a tough one for many Americans. That’s why I’m especially happy that the last few weeks have brought SAG members much to be thankful for.